hot potato

Definitions

1. A child's game in which players pass a ball or other item between them, with the object of avoiding being left holding the item when time expires.
   uncountable
2. An unwanted problem that is awkward or delicate.
   countable, idiomatic

Equivalents

Examples

“The “lame duck” Johnson Administration, in its final fortnight in office, grappled last⟳ week with a diplomatic hot potato in the form⟳ of the latest Soviet proposal for a “just and lasting” Middle East peace settlement.”

“How do you handle⟳ the work⟳ of a woman out on leave⟳, yet not lose⟳ a valuable employee down the road? At the same time, companies know⟳ this is a hot potato, and they have⟳ to do something.”

“Full connectivity returned 72 hours later, but the issue⟳ has become⟳ a hot potato in the US.”

CEFR level